70 and going strong: Judges' mandatory retirement age should be 75

When the Beatles sang about growing old back in 1967, the chorus of their hit tune focused on the age 64.

A lot has changed since then in terms of who we consider "old."

Because of medical advances and more people understanding the importance of living healthy lives, we have a much longer life expectancy than we did four decades ago.

In a way, 64 is the new 54.

Among Pennsylvanians enjoying a day off this Labor Day are the 15.4 percent of residents 65 and older who are still in the workforce.

As of the second quarter of this year, 282,700 people of traditional retirement age and older had a job in the commonwealth.

Some of those graying workers, however, have elected posts, including seats on the judicial bench, that require them to retire at age 70.

Given the changing dynamic of the working world and the longevity of many people, a mandated retirement age of 70 for judges makes no sense.

By the time they hit their seventh decade, they are likely seasoned veterans of the state's judicial system and should be able to use their knowledge to our advantage.

Some argue that the current system that allows for jurists to serve in a temporary capacity as senior judges after they retire up to age 78 addresses this issue.

But if they are OK to act in a temporary position, why can’t they still work full time?

Two legislators, Rep. Kate Harper, R-Montgomery County, and Sen. Lisa Boscola, D-Lehigh County, have introduced identical bills that would correctly increase the required retirement age from 70 to 75.

"Wisdom grows with age, but now we get these guys who are past the learning curve and know what they are doing and want to serve longer and we have to say, 'Sorry, we don't need you anymore,'" Harper said.

The bills, which could be taken up in the next legislative session that begins in January, would mean creating a constitutional amendment.

This idea makes sense, especially when looking at the number of judges who will soon enough reach the state's mandatory retirement age.

This year, 12 will need to step down, and by 2020 that number increases to 53.

Pennsylvania is not alone in its mandate.

According to the National Center for State Courts, 20 states now require judges to step down by age 70.

The age limit varies with other states, including Vermont, where a judge doesn’t have to put down his or her gavel until they reach 90.

Legislators should support this initiative. As labor statistics show, more Pennsylvanians are choosing to stay in the workforce longer, and we benefit from their experience.

Of course, not every judge would want to take advantage of the increased longevity on the bench.

Former Dauphin County Judge Warren Morgan, 88, said when asked by Patriot-News reporter Jan Murphy about the potential boost in retirement age: "It was a very rewarding career that I had ... but I do enjoy fishing."